After one of his worst ever seasons, during which he has scored just once, the 32-year-old has been stuck on 99 Premier League goals since helping the Irons beat West Bromwich Albion on December 2 last year.

It is the longest Nolan has gone without scoring in the top-flight, and has led to him falling out of favour with both manager and fans.

Now his 100th goal could be the one which sends his old club down, should he make the Hammers squad for the crucial match.

Only 24 players have scored 100 goals or more in Premier League history, and Nolan has already talked about how desperate he is to be number 25.

Speaking about his pursuit of reaching a century, Nolan told West Ham's official website last month: "I’m hoping that the next chance goes in.

"It’s starting to become a bit of a burden as people are starting to mention it a bit more.

"I’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully something will fall for me. Hopefully one will go in off my backside or something!”